BATMOBILE RECREATION IS A SUPERHERO AT BEAULIEU’S HOT ROD & CUSTOM DRIVE-IN DAY - FATHER’S DAY
Straight from the pages of a comic book, a stunning reimagining of Batman’s Batmobile will join the impressive line-up of customised machines at the Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day at Beaulieu on Father’s Day, Sunday June 18th.
The fantastic 21ft long creation will wow show-goers as part of the display of more than 500 amazing hot rods and custom cars and bikes, demonstrating the creativity and technical know-how at the heart of the customised scene. Just like Batman’s silver-screen transport, this British-built homage to the superhero shoots flames from its exhaust and features huge bat-like wings on its roof.
Inspired by the Batmobile from the 1995 Batman Forever film, the car was built from scratch by Mark Enright of Podpadstudios in Wiltshire, using all manner of parts. There is more than a hint of steampunk style and retro futurism to this car’s unique design.
Mark said: “It is a true custom car and I built it using whatever I could get my hands on. The 1.8-litre engine and rear part of the chassis are from a Toyota MR2, while the steering uses Smart car parts.”
Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day is held in association with classic American car club the Solent Renegades in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of these imaginative creations, from stripped-out hot rods and mega-powered monsters to cool customs and ‘slammed’ cruisers.
Returning this year is crowd favourite Hard Up Garage with a dramatic display of eye-catching hot rods and rat rods as it starts up its unique automotive machines.
If you love two and three-wheelers you will also be spoilt for choice by the multitude of bikes and trikes on display, which range from traditional classics to monster-engine trikes.
For a two-day celebration of the custom scene, this is the first time the event has run on the same weekend as Simply VW on Saturday June 17th.
Vee Dubs of every type are invited to join Saturday’s Simply VW, where Volkswagen owners and clubs will showcase their cars at the Breeze Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles-sponsored event. It’s a great chance to meet like-minded enthusiasts and show off air-cooled icons such as the Beetle and Karmann Ghia, as well as modern classics including Golfs, Polos, Sciroccos and camper vans.
You can even camp with your qualifying vehicle in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, at £10 for Simply VW participants who would like to stay for the next day’s show. Or free camping is available for anyone displaying a VW at Simply VW which also meets the criteria of a pre-1980 classic vehicle for Sunday’s Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day.
All the family will love the great features running throughout the whole weekend. A two-day Vintage Village by Bows & Braces will be packed with nostalgic collectables, records, jewellery, luggage, kitchenware and retro clothing from the 1920s to the 1980s. Visitors can enter the spirit of both shows by dressing in vintage clothing, with prizes for the best dressed individuals, families or groups and camper van. If you’d like help to perfect your look, you can book a make-over by emailing the event salon at vintagevictoryrollers@gmail.com.
Refreshments will be served in the Vintage Tea Tent and entertainment will include acts on the main stage as well as 1940s-style swing with Company B UK and Jitterbug Jive dance demonstrations to join in with.
You can also head into the National Motor Museum to see our new AutomotiveSteampunkexhibits with imaginative costumes created by Arts University Bournemouth students to complement some of the most iconic vehicles in the collection, as part of the Keep Calm and STEAM Ahead project supported by the Arts Council England Designation Development Fund. There will also be steampunk storytelling for younger children in the Corporate Marquee.
During both shows, visitors can vote for their favourite vehicles in the People’s Choice Award. The winners will be presented with a Beaulieu trophy and an Autoglym car care prize package.
If you own a relevant vehicle and would like to join either show, email details of your car or bike for consideration by the events team at events@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 614614. Camping must be booked in advance.
Tickets can be bought in advance online or on the door. For participant and visitor tickets and opening times for both events see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.
Included in the events admission is access to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum and its collection of more than 250 vehicles, the World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House – which has been home to the Montagu family since 1538 – and its stunning grounds and gardens.
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